Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said on Wednesday that his ministry is trying to find alternative sources from where the much-needed Urea fertilizer can be purchased. Razzaque said this after a meeting with Switzerland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard at the Secretariat. “It’s unfortunate that local production of urea fertilizer has stopped due to gas shortage. But we’ve already taken some steps to collect urea from alternative sources no matter how much it’ll cost,” said Razzaque. The minister added that they are not thinking about any urea crisis yet as the fertilizer is produced by many countries. “We’re trying to make both Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited and Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited operational. The government has to provide gas to activate these two factories,” Razzaque added. Razzaque also said that there is enough stock of fertilizer in the country for the upcoming Boro season. Read: Bangladesh to export onions in 2-3 years: Agricultural Minister Mentioning that the price of locally-produced urea fertilizer is Tk 19 per kilogram, the Minister said that the price of urea fertilizer is Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg globally. “We’re still providing urea to the farmers at Tk 16 per Kg. No other country can provide urea at this rate, not even India,” said Razzaque.

Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Saturday urged everyone to remain alert against the rise of communal evil forces whose goal is to spoil the country’s secular history and tradition.   Recently some vested groups are using religion for personal interest, he said adding that once Pakistan had oppressed the country for 23 years using religion.   The minister made the call after inaugurating a temple virtually at Sadar Upazila of Netrokona in the afternoon.   Pakistan, created based on religion, split into pieces, the Minister said, adding that some people who are against the Liberation War, believe in communalism and still carry the shadow of Pakistan, are carrying out evil acts.   “They torture and harass people of minority whenever they get a chance. They must come out from such a mentality”, Razzaque said.       Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has established a non-communal spirit in every sector of the country but some extremists and fundamentalists are conspiring against the government, he said.   They are trying to destabilise the country in many regions, the minister added. “We must remain alert to ensure that this evil power won’t rise.”   Also read: None goes to bed hungry in Bangladesh: Agriculture Minister